The NRA's Rebuilding

I have been a member of the MCRGO Board of Directors for 17 years. For the past few years, I’ve also been on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association. Since MCRGO has applied to become the NRA State Association for Michigan, and is likely to be officially confirmed at the NRA Annual Meeting next month, I feel it is appropriate to share some relevant information about the changes at the NRA over the past few years.

The NRA was sued several years ago by Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, soon after she was elected, in part, on campaign promises to dissolve the NRA. After great expense and pain, this suit has been nearly completely resolved at this time. There are still some court supervision issues including possible restructuring of the NRA Board. But it was ultimately a victory for NRA, beating back the attempt to dissolve the corporation and even actually recovering over $4 million from former EVP (CEO) Wayne LaPierre.

https://www.nralegalfacts.org/

Ackerman McQueen is long gone and the very expensive Brewer law firm was finally let go recently. The Special Litigation Committee was formally dissolved at the last board meeting. New leaders have stepped up. The new CEO/EVP is Doug Hamlin, a Marine veteran from Michigan with a long history of business efficiency and great ideas. I’ve spoken personally with him several times and I believe he is the right guy for the job.

https://www.nrafamily.org/content/meet-doug-hamlin-nra-s-new-ceo-executive-vice-president/

The team is in a critical rebuilding year with a new head coach, a new GM, and many new board members along with a few returning veterans including former Congressman Bob Barr as President. His experience with diplomacy (“herding cats”), parliamentary procedure, and staying cool amidst vigorous debate has served us well already during the 12 and 14-hour Board meetings since LaPierre’s exit.

There is a renewed energy and not just hope, but concrete plans, for what we’re calling “NRA 2.0” 

The two priorities now are revitalizing member services and increasing membership. So, I’m happy to share this special offer below on annual memberships. The price is based on the year the NRA was founded. We are America’s oldest civil rights organization.

https://home.nra.org/about-the-nra/

Personal note: I’m in a friendly competition with my fellow NRA Board members, if you are considering an NRA Life Membership, please reach out to me directly.

Thank you,

Steve Dulan, MCRGO Second Vice-Chair

Increasing Your MCRGO Involvement

Wondering how you can increase your involvement with MCRGO? This month, we're exploring options available to you including social media, legislative advocacy, MCRGO events, and instruction. This week we focus on instruction.

People become MCRGO CPL Instructors for a variety of reasons. Assisting others in obtaining their concealed pistol license is perhaps the most important thing you can do to protect self defense rights in our state. While many instructors transition to MCRGO from a national agency, an increasing number are becoming CPL instructors for the first time. MCRGO's instructor program is developed by instructors and is designed to make teaching students as simple as possible. Program administrators are easily accessible to instructors with fast, personal replies to questions and suggestions. MCRGO's program is Michigan specific and is focused on carry outside the home. The are no purchase requirements of printed course materials and no minimum class size requirements.

There is no cost to apply to become a MCRGO instructor. The fee to register for an instructor workshop varies with the workshop and pays for compensation to the trainer, materials, venue rental, and MCRGO's liability insurance. Instructor workshops take place over a single weekend. Online renewal after two years is $25. Instructors pay MCRGO only $10 per student which includes access to student certificates, all training materials, and a 1-year membership for the student. It also includes access to a video to teach the legal portion of the class. Over 63,000 students have obtained MCRGO certification since the program was launched in July 2016. The certificate is accepted in all 83 Michigan counties.

You may apply to become a MCRGO Instructor HERE.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Southeast Michigan Picnic of Michigan's Allied Gun Groups

Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Multi-Lakes Conservation Association; 3860 Newton Road; Commerce, MI

An indoor pistol range will be available for open shooting beginning at 11:00 AM. You are encouraged to bring your pistols, ammunition, ear & eye protection. We'll provide the targets. An archery range will also be available.

Grilled items, chips, desserts, and beverages will be provided at no cost from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM.

There will be an Ask an Attorney Q&A from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM in the clubhouse.

No RSVP is necessary for this event.